Danny
Hay Davis
By Lisa Pivowar
The
Danny Hay Davis Band was nominated as “The Best New Act 2006” by
the Cascade Blues Association and rightfully so.
One of the
things that will strike you about this industrious man is not only
his incredible talent, but the ability to surround himself with amazing
musicians who are the icing on an already delicious cake. DHD Band
members include: Gary Fountaine on bass guitar; Fenix Sanders saxophone
and vocals; Frankie Redding keyboards; and Ron Hval on drums.
A personal
favorite band member (other than Danny) is Fenix Sanders. With his
smooth sax and deep melodic vocals you will be drawn in with the
desire to want to know more about this regal and stately gentleman.
That won’t be a problem; though very polite and reserved Sanders
is always one to embrace and welcome interaction with his fans. He
is usually warmly thanking regulars and newcomers alike for their
interest whenever he can.
Muddy award
winner Gary Fountaine has surely increased his fan base with his
widely recognized and popular guitar skills.
From Portland,
Ore., Davis has created his own distinct brand of music for over
two decades. What is impressive is that Davis is not selling music,
he is selling himself and that shows in a wonderful way. Genuine
and honest, this hard-working musician stands behind his all-original
lyrics, delivered in a rich, simple rhythm, laced with colorful and
exciting fretwork.
Davis played over 600 shows
as lead guitarist for blues, country, and rock band The Yanks from
2002 through 2004, still collaborating with guitarist David Graham.
They opened for acts such as Molly Hatchet and Jimmy Van Zandt. After
leaving the Yanks in 2005 and working on a solo project, Davis released 97211 in
2006, as well as forming the DHD (Danny Hay Davis) Band the same
year.
Davis has performed at some
of the best Blues festivals in the Pacific Northwest. He performed
his original material on Beale Street in Memphis, was broadcast on
the radio in four countries, sold CDs in nine countries and 14 states,
so far. That might lead one to believe his passion and dedication
deserve to be recognized.
Davis began his musical journey
while attending Grant High School; his first gig in 1982 was as a
battle-of- the-bands winner. He then studied music at Mt. Hood Community
College, then played jazz, rock, funk, R&B and blues professionally.
Davis first performed, when
17 years old, as lead guitarist for an all-original music band called
Zachary River at Gladstone Tavern and The Wooden Chicken.
He gave up
performing in 1995, concentrating on raising children and construction.
Danny began playing professionally again in 2000 to supplement income
with the classic rock band Avalanche. He paid for all his construction
company fuel costs with gig wages and that put Davis back in the
gig game.
Davis has done the math and
is now proud to say his musical career has brought more rewards and
steady jobs than his now defunct career in concrete! As a single
Dad with a few children, he juggles his career with their schedules.
Hailey, 8 and very proud to call Davis her Dad, keeps this caring
musician grounded. He states when talking about what is important,
it clearly is setting a good road map for the kids and not selling
himself short when it comes to making his musical dream ambitions
become a reality.
The success
Davis is enjoying now couldn’t have found a nicer guy. His humbleness
but pride in himself and those around him makes this writer eagerly
look forward to keeping an eye on Davis and the DHD band. An upcoming
new CD will be released in the next few months. Show your support
if you are so inclined.
Every Tuesday,
Davis hosts the jam session at Out Of the Blues at 8 p.m. in Tigard
Ore. At 17939 S.W. McEwan. Every Wednesday night is a performance
at the Blue Diamond, 2016 N.E. Sandy Blvd. at 8:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday,
Dec. 22-23 and Jan.19-20 the band plays at Shanahan’s Pub, 209 W.
McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. from 9-1; Sunday, Dec. 31 New Years
Eve is at the Queen of Hearts, 5501 S.E. 72nd Ave.9 p.m.
HOME
|
